La Taverne Forge au Feu - The Forge Fire Tavern.

"Excellent choice, with the Escargot you'll just want water. The lamb though pairs excellently with a glass of Caventry red."

With Marya's order taken, the server retreats to the back. A few minutes later a handsome if slightly older man, pulls up a chair at Marya's table. He slides a water to the woman, and takes a pull of the ale he is drinking.

"Bonjour mademoiselle, I am Zaræn Viddik owner of this fine establishment. I like to introduce myself to all my patrons, just to introduce myself, see if their is anything I can do to make their experience here better."

Zaræn flashes Marya, a teasing grin.

"It is only Marya if it pleases me? What is it if it doesn't please me, mon-cher?"

The man gives a little laugh at his joke, taking another pull of ale. He scowls at the bottle.

"Bah! Good at first but the after taste."

He shakes his head, shaking off his displeasure.

"Don't worry too much about answering my question, Marya pleases me just fine. Now you were curious about a bed for the evening? Not something I normally offer, but if you are hard up for gold, and new to the city..."

Zaræn taps the lip of his bottle against his chin.

"I have a cot I occasionally use in my forge, it is surprisingly comfortable back there. Though of course that is only if you are hard pressed, I suppose I shouldn't jump to conclusions."

Zaræn gives Marya a gentle smile.

"Ah mon cher, the only shame to be found in needing help, is refusing to ask for it. No person is an island and all that. My cot is yours for as long as you need it. Besides, you are doing me a favor! With you there, I will be forced to go to bed at reasonable hour, n'est–ce pas? Can't stay up all night tinkering, if it puts a lady out. Come see me when you finish your meal, which is coming now. If you will excusez-moi, I have other patrons to greet."

With that Zaræn gets to his feet, and wonders off. Almost immediately after he leaves, a plate of escargot is set in front of Marya.

As much as Marya desperately wanted to rip into the escargot and devour it, considering how hungry she was, she forced herself to slow down and take her time, eating like her mother had taught her to. Even so far away from her, she still lived up to the ideals she had set out for her when she was younger.

After she had finished savouring the delectable dish that had been delivered to her, she sat back, looking around the room while she waited for her plate to be taken.

(Marya.)

Not long after she finished, the server returns. She places a play of delectable looking lamb, and a glass of red wine down, and whisks away the used plate.

"Enjoy mademoiselle!"

(Roy)

Zaræn chuckles at Roy, or to be again. To experience the first nervous steps of love! How wonderful it is.

"Ah Roy mon-amie, you have much to learn. I just wish I had a teacher, as handsome, charming, and knowledgeable when I was your age. You can say so much with flowers, I will stick to the ones that match what you just told me. A pink carnation shows gratitude, a red says you find her flashy, and a yellow cheerful. A bronze chrysanthemum, indicates excitement! Freesias say you find her spirited, Gardenias to let her know your joy. I would recommend a bouquet incorporating some of these flowers, but what is important is choosing the last flower. The flower of your love."

Zaræn waggles his eyebrows as he says this.

"A red rose denotes passionate love. A red tulip is a declaration of love, a yellow that you are hopelessly in love. Or you could use the Lilac indicating she is your first love. I recommend only picking one of these, to add to the bouquet mon-ami."

Zaræn chuckles at the boys distress. There was one last lesson to impart.

"Mon-amie, if Vera picked you, than all you really need to do is be yourself. Don't worry too much about doing things, right or wrong. If she is in your heart, and you are in hers, than just make sure she knows how you feel. When it comes to love, following your heart is often the best course of action."

The bartender takes a drink, indicating Roy should do the same.

"Still, if you haven't told her how you feel... Get her a red tulip declare you love with a flower. Then declare it with your mouth, then declare it with your lips."

The older man's voice turns suggestive, and he gives Roy a sly grin.

Robin slowly walks through the doors of the tavern. He examines everything around him, the travelers and mercenaries, even a few young students from the academy. He was told by his cousin Royal to meet him here.

Robin makes his way towards the bar and examines the menu board. He nods his head at his choice and orders,  " The Hammer's Blow, please." he says.

He pays the 6 copper pieces easily and immediately begins to drink. He spins around to watch the door for Roy.

"He better be here, I didn't make this trip for nuthin'" he says, taking a sip from his drink, "Damn, this is good."

"Well, you're very..peppy."

Robin takes a gulp from his drink, exhaling deeply, very impressed with the drink.

"I run a small tavern in The White City. It's extremely boring though, as I don't get much business."

He chuckles, looking Roy up and down, realizing instantly that he was a Vampire.

"I also kill Vampires..and other things, on the side."

He gave Roy a pat on the back, taking yet another gulp. He only had one more gulp left, he looked into the glass, a bit sad. He looks back up at Roy.

"But, don't worry, I ain't got no reason to kill ya, yet."

Zaræn saunters over to the table when he is called. As always he carries an unlabeled bottle in one hand, and a chair in the other. He takes a seat at the table, takes a swig of ale, and grins amicable at Roy and Robin.

"Bonjour Robin, it is a pleasure to meet you. If you are a cousin to mon-ami Roy, then you are welcome here. Of course everyone is welcome here, but I here it is the sentiment that matters, non? Tell me Robin are you new to Travére? What do you think of the city so far? Do you have any questions, an old boy like me might be able to answer?"